Whiskey & Vows

T W E L V E

C H A P T E R  T W E L V E || THE REST OF THE WORLD WAS BLACK AND WHITE, BUT WE WERE SCREAMING IN COLOR

 

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                “What the hell is wrong with your face?” I slapped the dipshit on the arm, annoyed at his question. My contacts were bothering me, but I didn’t want to wear my glasses. Derek had made fun of them the first time I met him, resulting in me never wearing my glasses in public again. I swallowed my annoyance and blinked at him. He stood in the bathroom, watching me through the large mirror. He smelled shower fresh as he stood in just his towel, and I was thankful that my eyes were irritated so I didn’t have the urge to check out his body.

                “My contacts are bothering me.” I deadpanned. I sucked in some air as I blinked again, rubbing around my eyes to soothe the pain. I had no idea why they were bothering me so much; I just changed them recently. I must have had something in my eyes or they just didn’t want to work, because I could barely open my eyes.

                “Did you get something on them?” He asked as he started brushing his teeth.

                “No.” I winced. Derek watched me through the mirror as I poured contact solution in each eye. He shook his head and spit into the sink.

                “Don’t you have glasses?”

                “Yes.” I groaned.

                “Why don’t you just wear those? Maybe your eyes need a break.” He shrugged. I shook my head, glancing back down at the sink.

                “I hate my glasses.”

                “Why?” He asked curiously. I opened my mouth to tell him that it’s because of him and his friends, but I wasn’t in the mood for another pity party.

                “I just don’t like them.” I responded.

                “I’m sure they look fine,” He shrugged again. “They’ll make your eyes better.”  He winced, looking at my red eyes. I wanted to argue with him, but I knew it was no use. I slipped out the contacts, feeling the relief as soon as they were out of my eyes. I slipped on my glasses, refusing to look at him.

                “Why are you so embarrassed?”

                “I look stupid.”

                “Says who?” When I looked up to look at him in my geeky glasses, he must have made a connection from that night we first met. I watched as his eyes softened and he clenched his jaw.

                “Yeah, well,” He cleared his throat before speaking again. “I was a bigger idiot than I am now. I think they fit you perfectly.” My cheeks flushed at his comment and I didn’t dare to look at him.  My heart swelled at this comment, making it harder to hate the dipshit next to me. I quickly cleaned off my contacts and set them in their appropriate container.

                “The social worker is coming in two hours, make sure you’re ready.” I mumbled awkwardly. Derek nodded his head and headed toward the closet.

                “Don’t worry, I couldn’t forget.” I tried not to groan at his words, knowing that the social worker would probably give us a hard time. Last night we found out about her visit and spent the whole night fixing the house to make sure it was child proof. Surprisingly, I was just as nervous as Derek. Inviting Andy to stay with us is a huge deal concerning our marriage and Andy’s life. I had no doubt what we were doing was right, but I didn’t know what would happen to us.

                I don’t know if we’ll have a future together.

                The idea scares me, but the thought always ran through my mind. After we’re done and Andy goes back home, what happens to us? I often wondered if Derek thought the same thing, knowing he seems lighter and somewhat quieter.

                This might be bad.

***

                “You have a beautiful home, Mr. and Mrs. Jones.” The social worker smiled. She was different from the last one we’ve met and so far, this seemed like a good thing. Her dark brown hair hung down in natural waves, and she dressed in a simple navy dress with a pair of black heels. She only had minimal makeup on her face, making her face looked lighter and younger.

                She was pretty.

                I thought Derek would notice it and make some sort of notion of checking her out, but his eyes stayed glued to her as she spoke. His body lingered close to mine and I wondered where Derek and I stood. His behavior seemed out of character for him and although I don’t mind the attention, it scared me.

                I felt like an idiot as I stood there with my large glasses and my boot, but he didn’t seem to mind my awkward feelings as he wrapped an arm around my waist. I could see the stupid ring dangling off my finger and I wondered what she thought of us, or anyone for that matter.

                “Thank you.” He smiled kindly. I could see the nervousness fade off him as his let out a deep breath. “Do we pass?” She laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

                “You do.” She nodded.  A giant smile found its way onto his face and damn if it didn’t make me feel all weird inside. “I am curious, you two filed for an annulment and now you want to bring in this child, why?”

                “He needs us.” Derek answered immediately. She smiled softly and scribbled something down on her clipboard.

                “I can send this in and then it depends on what the judge wants to do with it from there. I doubt there will be any problems granting him into your home. It’s already documented by his doctor the close relationship you have, so he might be willing to place him here because of it.” Derek looked at me with a boyish grin planted on his face.

                “Looks like Dr. Wilson did something right.” I elbowed him in the ribs and grinned sheepishly at the social worker. She didn’t seem to notice his comment as she filled out a paperwork.

                “I’ll have them give you a call.” She smiled. “I don’t have any doubts, but good luck to you two.” She grinned.

                “Thank you,” Derek said as he walked her out the door. I sighed in relief and finally relaxed-something I haven’t been able to do in a while. Derek had a sloppy grin on his face as he walked back into the living room.

                “I’ve never been so relieved.” He laughed, rubbing his eye.

                “I know, it’s actually nice.” Derek smiled and shook his head at me.

                “We can do this.” He said, holding up his fist.

                “We can.” I said as we fist bumped.

                We can do this.

                I hope.

***